Digestion Flashcards
(15 cards)
Where is bile stored
Gallbladder
Where is bile produced
The liver
Write a flow diagram for digestion
Mouth —> stomach —> small intestine —> large intestine —> rectum —> anus
What is peristalsis
When the circular and longitudinal muscles in the gut wall work together to produce wave like contractions. These have a squeezing action that pushes the bolus through the gut
Describe digestion
Teeth break food into smaller pieces increasing surface area
● The salivary glands release enzymes (e.g amylase)
● Peristalsis occurs in the oesophagus to push food to the stomach
● The food passes to the stomach where it is churned with stomach
acid and digestive juices
● It then goes to the small intestine where the nutrients are absorbed.
● The pancreas releases digestive juices into the small intestine.
● The gallbladder releases bile to help digest fats.
● Water is absorbed in the large intestine.
● Waste passes out of the anus as faeces
What is a bolus
A bolus is a mass of chewed and saliva mixed food which is ready to swallow and passes through the digestive system
What are the two types of digestion
Mechanical and chemical
What is mechanical digestion?
Mechanical digestion is the physical process of preparing
the food for chemical digestion
What is chemical digestion?
Chemical digestion uses certain enzymes to break down
nutrients, such as carbohydrates,
proteins, and fats, into smaller molecules
Name three types of digestive enzymes
Protease, lipase, amylase
What are the three main adaptations of the small intestine?
- A good blood supply to carry nutrients to the rest of the body.
- A thin membrane to allow nutrients to diffuse easily.
- A lining covered with ‘microvilli’ (tiny bumps) to speed up absorption of nutrients.
What do glands such as the salivary glands and pancreas glands do
They release enzymes to break down food
What is the function of bile
It neutralises stomach acid and digest fats
Where in your digestive system is soluble food molecules absorbed?
Small intestine
Where is water absorbed in your digestive system?
Large intestine
